The following is a description of some of the members and activities of the Fort Worth Branch during the “early years.” Much of this information is taken from “The History of the Fort Worth Branch, Texas Section, American Society of Civil Engineers for the Years 1931 to 1970”, by H. H. Hester (a former Branch Historian & a Life Member, A.S.C.E.)
In 1961, the Fort Worth Branch heard Art Blomgren relate some of his experiences in Vietnam, while stationed there with C.A.A. in 1958 and 59. He said many airfields were built in Vietnam during that period; one in Saigon had a runway 11,000 feet long, paved with 12 inches of reinforced concrete. He said it was often necessary to run tigers and jaguars from the Field before the men could go to work. While there he met a number of U.S. Army officers, who were training the Vietnam soldiers. The officers related to him that they had trouble with the soldiers disappearing into the woods during training periods.
Fort Worth Branch member Joe J. Rady served as President of the Texas Section ASCE in 1964 and the Texas Section had a statewide membership of 1,342 members.
The speaker for the Fort Worth Branch meeting on January 11, 1965 was Charlie Moore, Head of the Materials Testing Section, of the Soil Conservation Service in Fort Worth. He gave a most interesting discussion on the design and construction of flood prevention dams. Mr. Moore, a long time member of the Fort Worth Branch, reviewed specifically some projects he has been associated with in Texas and Oklahoma.
At the Fort Worth Branch meeting in February, 1965, President Ernest Buckley spoke and recommended that the Branch join the Council of Scientific Societies, an organization composed of some thirty different groups of professional men. The President’s recommendations were approved.
One of the Big social events of 1965 was a dinner dance party held at the Fun-In-Sun Club at Lake Arlington on August 13. The group spent a most delightful evening dancing, playing miniature golf, and boating. This coupled with a delicious meal, and drinks made the evening most enjoyable.
The fall meeting of the Texas Section was held in Fort Worth in October, 1965. The General Chairman was Fort Worth Branch member Mr. Jim Nichols, who in welcoming the group stressed the importance of getting more young people interested in engineering, because of the critical shortage of engineers. The program was well planned, and the papers and discussions were thoroughly enjoyed by the 400 in attendance. Special attention was given to the student activity program. The members and their wives enjoyed the Fort Worth hospitality and the entertainment that consisted of a banquet and get acquainted party.
The Presidents of the Fort Worth Branch during this period were:
- 1960-61 - Henry G. Creel, Jr.
- 1961-62 - Wilton N. Hammond
- 1962-63 - Paul R. Cunningham
- 1963-64 - John Montgomery
- 1964-65 - R. L. Knowlton
- John P. Wier, P.E., R.P.L.S., Historical Chair, Fort Worth Branch ASCE, May 2011